khaub ncaws

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White Hmong[edit]

Etymology[edit]

This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.
Particularly: “Considered native Hmongic by Ratliff.[1] That said, the "khaub" may be borrowed from Chinese (jiǎ, “shell, armor”), and the "ncaws" perhaps from (zhuāng, “outfit, clothing”).

The "menstruation" meaning is most likely derived from the "clothes" meaning, but how so? Perhaps a euphemistic cultural term regarding coming of age + marriage rituals?”

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA(key): /kʰau̯˥.ᶮɟaɨ̯˩/

Noun[edit]

khaub ncaws

  1. clothing, clothes, dress
    hnav khaub ncawsto wear clothing, to dress
  2. used in coj khaub ncaws (to menstruate)

References[edit]

  • Heimbach, Ernest E. (1979) White Hmong — English Dictionary[1], SEAP Publications, →ISBN, page 94.